Garage Door Won't Open? Jammed? Or Only Opens a Few Inches?

If your garage door won't open, opens only a few inches, or seems stuck, follow this quick guide to narrow down the cause.

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Do You Hear the Opener Motor Running?

YES - I Hear the Motor

The motor runs but the door doesn't move or moves only slightly. Likely a mechanical issue.

NO - I Don't Hear Anything

There's no sound at all when you press the button. Likely an electrical or control issue.

MECHANICAL

YES - I Hear the Motor Running

If the motor runs but the door doesn't move (or only moves slightly), the problem is usually mechanical.

Motor Runs, Chain or Belt Moves, Door Doesn't Go Up

First check: Emergency Release / Trolley

Make sure the trolley is engaged. This is the mechanism attached to the red handle and rope.

If it's disengaged, push the tab up to re-engage it.
This is often a simple fix.

Do one last check

Pull the emergency release to disengage the trolley
Re-engage the trolley
Test the opener again

Likely cause if still not working

If the chain moves and the trolley is engaged, the opener may have a worn gear and sprocket.

Door Moves a Few Inches Then Stops

Most likely cause: Broken spring

Check for a visible gap in the spring above the garage door.

If you have an extension spring, it may look like this:

Other signs

You heard a loud bang earlier
The door feels extremely heavy

WARNING: Springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury.

Door Is Crooked or Jammed

Likely cause: Broken cable

The cable normally runs down both sides under tension. If one cable breaks, the door may lift unevenly, causing the door to become crooked or jammed.

DANGER: Do not remove the bottom bracket unless you truly know what you're doing. It is under high tension.

ELECTRICAL / CONTROLS

NO - I Don't Hear the Motor Running

If nothing happens when you press the button, the issue is most likely electrical or related to the opener's controls.

Check the Power

Is the opener plugged in?

Look up at the ceiling-mounted opener unit. Make sure the power cord is fully plugged into the outlet.

Check if other lights or devices on the same circuit work
Check the breaker panel - a tripped breaker is a common culprit
If your opener has a light, does it come on?

Tip: Many power outages only affect a single circuit. Reset the breaker by flipping it fully OFF, then back ON.

Remote Doesn't Work, But Wall Button Does

Try these steps first

Replace the batteries in the remote
Move closer to the opener and try again
Reprogram the remote to the opener (consult your owner's manual)

If none of those work

The receiver board in the opener may be faulty or the remote may need to be replaced.

Wall Button Doesn't Work, But Remote Does

Check the wiring

This usually points to a wiring issue between the wall button and the opener.

Inspect the wires for any damage or loose connections at the button and at the opener
Try shorting the two wires at the opener terminals. If the opener activates, the wall button is faulty.

Caution: Only use low-voltage wiring for this test. Opener terminals use low voltage, but always disconnect power if you're unsure.

Call Immediately If:

The garage door is hanging at an angle or looks crooked
You see a broken spring (gap in the coil above the door)
A cable has snapped and is hanging loose
The door fell suddenly or made a very loud bang
You smell burning or see sparks from the opener

Do not attempt to repair springs, cables, or bottom brackets yourself. These parts are under extreme tension and require specialized tools and training.